Calafate, a getaway to the Glaciers National Park

Itinerary (Click on each day for detailed itinerary)

Breakfast. Departure from the hotel towards Perito Moreno Glacier situated within Los Glaciares National Park, 80 km from El Calafate. Perito Moreno Glacier is an imposing ice river wich descends from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field causing, during its slow advance, ice cracks and thunderous bursts that turned the glacier into a marvel in constant movement. A show that is impressing not only for its beauty, but also for the atmosphere created by sounds, colors, fresh glacier air and sensations. Return to the hotel.

Departing from El Calafate (9:00 a.m or 5:00 p.m) along the unmade road of the Provincial Route 15, also known as “the road to the estancias”. The estancia is reached after travelling along the edge of Lago Roca and having entered Los Glaciares National Park.

The host guide welcomes you to the Estancia and takes you to the Quincho [rustic dining room] where you will be invited to have a hot drink (tea, coffee or mate) accompanied by home-made cakes and pastries.

The walk starts around the main building, the perfect example of a typical Patagonian estancia which was formerly devoted to sheep rearing and nowadays has become the most prestigious Hereford breeding ranch of these latitudes.

At the stables, the horse-back-ride will be ready; and visitors given a mount and go out to explore the surroundings accompanied by a guide.

After the horse-ride, the group meets up again at the door of the shearing shed. This is a chance to see inside such a shed with all its skilled hands and understand the work of the shearing teams. The process is described from the shearing of the animal to the baling of the fleece, ready for the wool to be stored and transported. Then a demonstration is given of horse handling skills, or according to the rural activities of the day, working with the herd in the corrals close to the main buildings. Between the daily activities the guest could also be able to participate at the morning of the cow milking and at the afternoon of the herding sheep, concluding therefore with a typical work day at the Estancia. These activities are subject to the weather conditions.

Returning to the Quincho the emphasis is on the history of the place, retelling anecdotes and stories from the early settlers. Afterwards lunch will be ready, for trying the authentic Patagonian lamb while enjoying the impressive view of the mountain range. Return to El Calafate.